What Is Xanthan Gum And How To Use In Keto Baking

Xanthan gum is the secret ingredient that will transform your keto cooking! This guide to what is xanthan gum and how to use it in keto baking will show you how this magical powder can thicken and emulsify dressings, sauces, and even gluten-free flours.

Xanthan gum is derived from fermented plant bacteria. It has been around since the 1950s but is still a little-known ingredient in many home kitchens. 

Its versatility makes it a must-have for anyone on a keto diet. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the many benefits of xanthan gum in keto cooking. We’ll also show you how to use it in a variety of delicious low-carb recipes.

What is xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum powder is a popular food additive used as a thickening agent and stabilizer. It’s made from fermented guar bean and is a key ingredient in many gluten-free recipes. 

This fine powder helps create a smooth texture by trapping air bubbles in the mixture.

You’ll find it in salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It’s great for low-carb cooking because it adds thickness without adding carbs. 

Xanthan gum is gluten-free, so it’s popular in gluten-free baking. It can also replace eggs in vegan recipes.

Xanthan gum looks like corn flour. It’s white and odorless. You won’t notice it in your food. It’s often added to dressings, vinaigrettes, and ketchup to keep them from separating. 

It’s also used in ice creams to prevent ice crystals, giving a smooth, creamy texture.

Xanthan gum became popular in restaurant kitchens with the rise of molecular gastronomy. A tiny amount can stabilize foams, gels, or emulsions. 

It’s now common in home kitchens due to the increase in gluten-free baking. Gluten-free flours need xanthan gum to bind ingredients. Without it, baked goods can be crumbly instead of soft and spongy.

Xanthan gum used to be a specialty ingredient. Now, it’s easy to find in health food stores, big supermarkets, and online. Check the baking aisle or gluten-free section.

Xanthan Gum and Weight Loss

Xanthan gum can be beneficial for those on a low-carb diet or ketogenic diet. It has zero net carbs and can help create satisfying, keto-friendly dishes. 

By improving the texture of low carb flours, it makes keto bread recipes and other baked goods more enjoyable. This can support your weight loss journey by making it easier to stick to your diet.

Benefits of Using Xanthan Gum in Keto Cooking

Xanthan gum can improve the texture of keto recipes. It provides a smooth and creamy consistency without adding carbs. This makes it perfect for the keto diet.

Use xanthan gum to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies. You won’t need high-carb ingredients like flour or cornstarch.

In low-carb baking, xanthan gum gives a better texture. It helps prevent baked goods from becoming crumbly or dense. This is especially useful when using almond flour or coconut flour.

Xanthan gum is also great for making gluten-free bread. It helps bind the ingredients together, giving a better finished product.

How to Use Xanthan Gum in Keto Recipes

Xanthan gum is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of keto recipes, including baked goods, sauces, dressings, soups, stews, and gravies. It’s typically used as a thickener or binder to improve the texture of these recipes.

In Baking

Add xanthan gum to the dry ingredients and mix well. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour.

This helps bind the ingredients and prevents baked goods from becoming crumbly. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the baked goods gummy or slimy.

In Sauces and Dressings

​Sprinkle xanthan gum into the liquid while whisking or blending to help thicken it. For dressings, start by whisking together vinegar or lemon juice with herbs or seasonings.

Slowly sprinkle in the xanthan gum while whisking vigorously to prevent clumping. Finally, whisk in the oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. For sauces, make a roux with butter and almond flour or coconut flour, then whisk in the liquid and sprinkle in xanthan gum while whisking continuously.

In Soups, Stews, and Gravies

​Xanthan gum can thicken these dishes without adding carbs. If your recipe doesn’t contain acid, add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to activate the thickening properties. Always start with a small amount and add more as needed. Remember, a little goes a long way!

In Ice Cream and Yogurt

​Xanthan gum can also thicken homemade keto ice cream or yogurt, giving them a smooth, creamy texture.

Benefits of Using Xanthan Gum in Keto Cooking

Xanthan gum is a versatile ingredient that improves the texture and mouthfeel of keto recipes. It prevents baked goods from becoming crumbly or falling apart. It also thickens sauces and dressings without high-carb thickeners.

Xanthan gum is low in calories and carbs, making it perfect for a keto diet. It’s often used as a replacement for cornstarch or flour, which can be high in carbs and spike blood sugar.

Tips for Using Xanthan Gum in Keto Cooking

Start Small

Begin with a small amount of xanthan gum and gradually increase as needed. This helps you avoid using too much, which can make your dish slimy or gummy.

For most recipes, 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour is a good starting point.

Mix with Dry Ingredients

Always mix xanthan gum with other dry ingredients before adding it to a recipe. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. For example, if you’re baking, mix it with almond flour or coconut flour before adding wet ingredients.

Blend or Whisk in Sauces and Dressings

When using xanthan gum in sauces or dressings, blend or whisk it in to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Start by whisking together acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice with herbs or seasonings. Slowly sprinkle in the xanthan gum while whisking vigorously to prevent clumping. Finally, whisk in the oil until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

Activate with Acid

Xanthan gum works best in acidic liquids. If your recipe doesn’t contain acid, add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to activate its thickening properties. This is especially useful in soups, stews, and gravies.

Avoid Overuse

Using too much xanthan gum can result in a slimy or gummy texture. Always start with a small amount and add more if needed. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Use in Cold and Hot Foods

Xanthan gum is versatile and can be used in both cold and hot foods. It’s great for thickening cold foods like salad dressings and ice cream, as well as hot foods like soups and sauces.

Combine with Other Thickeners

For a smoother texture, you can combine xanthan gum with other thickeners like guar gum or gelatin powder. This can be especially useful in keto baking and cooking.

Store Properly

Keep xanthan gum in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its effectiveness and prevents it from clumping.